Gov’t Spokesman: Greek 2020 Tourism Season Shorter, But Not Lost

Greece’s government spokesman, Stelios Petsas. Photo source: Media.Gov.gr

Tourism employees and professionals should expect to receive the greatest possible support for as long as their operations remain closed due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, said Greece government spokesman Stelios Petsas on Monday, adding that efforts were being made to salvage what remains of the tourism season.

“We are working on a plan to gradually lift restrictions and reopen and operate for a shorter tourist season,” Petsas told journalists, underlining that despite the smaller duration this year, the “tourist season is not completely lost”.

The government’s priority at the moment is to find ways to stimulate domestic travel and at the same time alternatives to bring incoming visitors to Greece once a European agreement is reached on the issue of health protocols. Achieving this requires cooperation on an EU level so that planes can get off the ground, Petsas said, adding however that this was still “premature”.

“Once we’ve completed planning and depending on the conclusion of European talks, then we will announce a clear strategy for the reopening of tourism, F&B and of all professions related to tourism in Greece,” said Petsas.

He went on to add that the return to normalcy depends largely on a clear and unified understanding of what the proposed health protocols will entail.

The re-operation of restaurants and public recreation areas such as bars and cafes also top the government agenda as well as ensuring that individuals without a job due to Covid-19, including seasonal tourism workers and tourist guides, can still claim the 800-euro subsidy (applications until 17 May).